Growing up, there were three things you didn't bring up at the dinner table or with friends ...

Money

Politics

Religion

In many households these topics were slapped with a DND (do not disturb) and told discussing them with other people would be detrimental to any relationship. It wasn't until I went to college and realized that keeping these thoughts, ideas and questions to ourselves would not create a more efficient and self-reliant nation. As I went through college, I kept trying to understand why we were studying trigonometry and calculus in class instead of Personal Finance 101 and 102. While I cannot say that I am some financial guru, a few finance classes, open conversations and good reads have directed me in the right direction.​Our financial problems will not be solved over night; financial instability is something we suffer with as a country. Whether you learn how to handle your finances in school or by watching your parents, there are a lot of things that get left out. We shouldn’t rely on the lottery or a get rich quick scheme to keep a roof over our heads in the event of a rainy day. It's time we start talking to each other about what we are doing financially. What's working and what we need to change.​

The only way to set yourself up for success in the future is to learn from your mistakes and the mistakes of others. Whether you ask someone you know or take a class on personal finance, it could only help you out in the end. Talk to your friends, family members, and co-workers. Have an open dialogue with your children. Today is the day we stop hiding behind financial insecurity and start taking our lives into our own hands.